Right Next Door Read Free Page A

wrong, Jeff?”
    â€œI’m afraid we made a bad mistake.”
    â€œHow’s that?”
    â€œThere’s nothing but girls in this neighborhood.” He made it sound as though they’d unexpectedly landed in enemy territory. “I rode my bike up and down the street and all I saw were girls. ” He wrinkled his nose.
    â€œDon’t worry, you’ll be meeting lots of boys in school on Monday.”
    â€œYou aren’t taking this seriously!” Jeff cried. “I don’t think you understand what this means. There are seven houses on this block. Six of them have kids and only one has a boy, and that’s me. I’m surrounded by women!”
    â€œHow’d you find all this out?”
    â€œI asked, of course.” He sighed again. “What are you going to do about it, Mom?”
    â€œMe?” Robin asked. “Are you suggesting we move back to the apartment?”
    Jeff considered this for only a moment. “I’d think we should if it wasn’t for two things. We can’t have a dog there. And I found a fort.”
    â€œA fort?”
    â€œYes,” he said solemnly. “It’s hidden way back in Mr. Camden’s yard and covered by a bunch of brush. It’s real neat there. I don’t think he knows about it, because the word on the street is he doesn’t like kids. Someone must’ve built it and I’m going to find out who. If there’s a club going, I want in. I’ve got the right—I live closer to Mr. Camden than anyone else does.”
    â€œAgreed.” Robin munched on a slice of green pepper and handed one to Jeff. “So you think it’d be all right if we stayed?”
    â€œI guess so,” Jeff conceded, “at least until I find out more about the fort.”
    Robin was about to say something else when the doorbell chimed.
    Jeff’s blue eyes met hers. “I bet it’s one of those pesky girls,” he said in disgust.
    â€œDo you want me to get rid of her?”
    Jeff nodded emphatically.
    Robin was smiling when she answered the front door. Jeff was right; it was a girl, one who seemed to be a couple of years younger than her son. She hadn’t come alone, though. Standing with the youngster was an adult.
    â€œHi,” the woman said cheerfully, flashing Robin a warm smile. “I know you’ve hardly had a chance to get settled, but I wanted to introduce myself. I’m Heather Lawrence and this is my daughter, Kelly. We live next door, and we’d like to welcome you to the neighborhood.”
    Robin introduced herself as she opened the door and invited them in. Heather was cute and perky. Her hair was cut in a short bob that bounced when she spoke. Robin knew right away that she was going to like these neighbors. Heather’s warm reception was a pleasant change from the way Cole Camden had greeted her.
    â€œWould you like some coffee?” Robin asked.
    â€œIf you’re sure I’m not interrupting anything.”
    â€œI’m sure.” Robin led her into the kitchen, where Jeff sat waiting. He cast her a look that suggested she should be shot for treason, then muttered something about forgetting that mothers were really girls in disguise. Then he headed out the front door.
    Robin reached for two matching ceramic mugs and poured coffee for herself and her new friend. She offered Kelly a glass of juice, then slid into a chair across the table from the girl and her mother. “I’m sorry about Jeff.” Shefelt obliged to apologize. “He’s at the age where he thinks girls are a plague to society.”
    â€œDon’t worry about it,” Heather said, smiling. “Kelly isn’t keen on boys herself.”
    â€œThey’re creeps. I’d rather ride my bicycle than play with a boy,” the girl announced. “But Mom wanted me to come over with her so she didn’t look like a busybody. Right, Mom?”
    Heather blushed and